Mac G Backlash Highlights Importance Of Regulating Podcasts: Diko

Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Communications says the public backlash over MacGyver Mac G Mukwevhos comments about media personality Minnie Dlamini has highlighted the importance of regulating online media.

Mac G and co-hosts made the remarks on his popular podcast last week. They raised serious concerns about the unregulated growth of podcasts, saying harmful content is prevalent.

Committee Chair Khusela Diko says, There has indeed been a lot of backlash to the comments made by Mac G, but I think for us as a Portfolio Committee, its not so much about Mac G, but what it does is bring a razor sharp focus to the issues of podcasting, adding that "Therefore, its important that our legislation is updated to be able to respond to the current challenges and what weve been raising with the Minister of Communication, in particular, that where you start is to accelerate the completion of the audiovisual policy."

Outdated laws

Diko says most of the countrys laws are outdated, highlighting what she says is the need to establish institutions that will monitor platforms like podcasts.